America's Forgotten Fruit: The Pawpaw

Did you know that a tropical, mango-like fruit grows wild across the Eastern US, from the shores of the Potomac all the way to Michigan. A secret fruit to many, the pawpaw has a rich history but is hard to come by.

The fruit tastes somewhere between a mango and a banana, sometimes with a kiwi-like tang. Never heard of it? Blame it on a short season, fast ripening once picked, and lack of commercialization. If pawpaws are native to your area, they're worth searching out. And there's no time like right now; Pawpaws are only available a few weeks out of the year and the current season is coming to a close.